a day ago
Northern Knights and Leinster Lightning roar to final day wins in Cork
Cade Carmichael top-scored for the Knights, making an unbeaten 39 in the morning's all-Ulster clash — one of four players to pass 30.
Ben Calitz provided the late impetus to their innings, clearing the ropes four times in a 12-ball 35, while Morgan Topping and Neil Rock each made 31 — the latter also hitting four maximums in a total of 175 for five.
Graham Hume (three for 24) was by far the pick of the North-West attack on a pitch that offered more assistance than normal.
The Warriors' chase was a poor one as they were bundled out for just 66 as their batting struggled from the outset.
It was certainly a case of 'spin to win' with Instonians' left-arm spinner taking three wickets, as did fellow tweaker Carson McCullough.
CSNI professional Sean Davey also claimed two scalps as Simon Johnston's side recorded their second bonus point victory of the week by a whopping 109 runs.
They were joined at the top of the table by defending Champions Leinster Lightning, who showed they will still be the team to beat when at full strength.
Munster would have been relatively happy at the midway stage after posting 166 for six, with former Ireland Under-19 captain Philippe Le Roux top-scoring with a 36-ball unbeaten 64 (six fours, three sixes) and Wednesday's centurion Stephen Doheny making 35.
Pembroke's Gavin Hoey took four wickets in a fine exhibition of leg-spin as the Dubliner's bowling unit stuck to their task well.
Any thoughts of a home win were quickly dispelled in a barrage of boundaries from the opening pair of Chris De Freitas and Tim Tector.
Balbriggan left-hander De Freitas — widely tipped for international recognition — hit seven sixes and five fours in a whirlwind 70 from only 29 deliveries, sharing an opening stand of 118 in just 8.5 overs with Tector (45) to effectively decide the contest.
Bakhtyar Nabi took three wickets, but it was only delaying the inevitable as Lightning won by six wickets in the 16th over.
The teams are all back in action next week at Stormont for the second of four scheduled Festivals.
